The first part of hostages in Gaza is expected to be released
The ceasefire began at 7am local time (0500 GMT) and will last for at least four days. Both sides will release women and children first. Israel announced that the ceasefire would be extended for one more day for every 10 hostages released.
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| Israel-Hamas |
A four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza came into force on Friday morning. After the negotiations were prolonged due to 'problems', the ground was prepared for the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a day later than initially announced.
The diplomatic breakthrough led by Qatar promises some relief for the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have been exposed to Israeli bombardment for weeks, as well as for the families in Israel who are worried about the fate of their relatives who were captured during the October 7 attack by Hamas that triggered the war.
The ceasefire started at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) and will last at least four days. During this time, Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, promised to release at least 50 of the approximately 240 hostages kidnapped by it and other militants on October 7. Hamas said Israel would also release 150 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire agreement for the hostages was reached after weeks of intense indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt. If the agreement is reached, it would be the first significant break in the conflict since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago.
source: euronews